Dhaka:The government announced today that the ban on tourism in Saint Martin's Island will be lifted for four months starting November 1, permitting up to 3,500 visitors daily due to environmental considerations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, an inter-ministerial meeting decided to allow controlled tourism at the scenic island in the Bay of Bengal, with an environmental conservation fee of Tk 100 per person being implemented.
The meeting established that vessels traveling to St. Martin's must secure approval from the relevant ministry. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the Department of Shipping will not independently permit vessel movements; only approved tourist ships will operate from the designated Nuniarchhara Ghat.
The Department of Environment (DOE) has been instructed to take necessary steps regarding the conservation fee, following the applicable law. The directive also called on the ministries of civil aviation and tourism, shipping, DOE, the Cox's Bazar district administration, and other relevant agencies to take measures to ensure the decision is implemented.
Tourism was previously banned on the island, located near the country's northeastern coastlines, during the past interim government.